Did you know that an estimated 50% of those with lupus have neuropsychiatric symptoms, or symptoms which impact their mental and psychological health and functioning? For example, some people with lupus experience symptoms such as confusion and memory loss, depression and anxiety, seizures, or aseptic meningitis – often within the first 5 years of developing lupus. But considering the scope of these symptoms, how are doctors able to identify neuropsychiatric lupus as opposed to other neuropsychiatric conditions?

According to Medical XPress, a research team from the University of Houston recently sought to understand neuropsychiatric lupus and how to improve the diagnostic process. To begin, the researchers sourced different samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from people with neuropsychiatric lupus. Next, the researchers used aptamers to screen the different proteins found within the CSF. To learn more about aptamers, take a look at this helpful guide from Base Pair Biotechnologies, Inc. 

Using the aptamer screening, the researchers explored over 1,100 proteins within the CSF. They found a few specific proteins that could act as biomarkers for patients with lupus who are going to develop neuropsychiatric symptoms. These biomarkers include complement C3, IgM, CSF Lipcalin-2, and M-CSF. 

While more research is needed to develop a widely-used screening test and to further examine these potential biomarkers, this does show promise for the future of neuropsychiatric lupus diagnosis.

You can took a look at the study findings published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. 

About Lupus

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder which can affect the joints, skin, heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. It occurs when the immune system begins mistakenly attacking its own tissues and organs. Researchers believe lupus results from both genetic and environmental factors, as well as triggers such as medication or infection. Risk factors include being female, being between 15-45 years old, and being of African-American, Hispanic, or Asian-American descent. This is a variable condition, meaning patients may experience severe and permanent symptoms, mild and temporary symptoms, or even constant episodes vs. periodic episodes. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Dry eyes
• Chest pain and/or shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
• Skin lesions which worsen with sun exposure
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Organ damage (complication)
• Higher risk of infection and cancer (complication)